The 21 best soft cooler brands
Yeti, Coleman and Arctic Zone lead our ranking of 21 soft cooler brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Soft Cooler brands, ranked
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1
Yeti
Hopper Flip soft coolers take a premium, tough-shell approach, with a price to match the top of the category.
Top products: Hopper Flip 18· Hopper Flip 12· Daytrip 20L
Website: yeti.com |Brands like Yeti
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Coleman
Chiller and Now soft coolers from Coleman are a lower-priced pick for camping and tailgates, in many can-count sizes.
Top products: Chiller· Now 18-Can
Website: coleman.com |Brands like Coleman
Popularity 5.2/10
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3
Arctic Zone
Arctic Zone's zipperless Titan coolers collapse flat when empty and come in can counts up to 40.
Top products: Titan
Website: arcticzone.com |Brands like Arctic Zone
Popularity 4.8/10
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4
Rtic
RTIC's ultra-tough soft-sided coolers are a common lower-cost alternative to Yeti's bags, with collapsible models.
Top products: Everyday Cooler· Ultra-Tough Soft Sided Cooler
Website: rticoutdoors.com |Brands like Rtic
Popularity 4.1/10
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5
Picnic Time
Experts created Picnic Time to make your life easier. Because they realize that picnics are about more than just packing a suitcase and going on an adventure, it's all about spending quality time with the people that mean most to you. You may enjoy each other's company without worrying about anything if you plan. You'll never have to pack anything else with Picnic Time. It's a company that enables you to design your picnic basket with everything you need in one spot, from the classic to the exotic.
Website: picnictime.com |Brands like Picnic Time
Popularity 4.0/10
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6
Thermos
Lunch-sized insulated bags, built by the vacuum flask maker, suit a day's packed meals and drinks.
Top products: Soft Cooler
Website: thermos.com |Brands like Thermos
Popularity 2.6/10
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7
Hydro Flask
Hydro Flask soft coolers are insulated totes sized for cans, matching its steel bottle range.
Top products: Carry Out Soft Cooler Bag· 5 Liter Lunch Bag
Website: hydroflask.com |Brands like Hydro Flask
Popularity 2.5/10
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8
Stanley
Stanley puts its vacuum-bottle insulation into backpack and shoulder-bag soft coolers for day trips.
Top products: All Day Madeleine Midi Backpack Soft Cooler· Soft-Sided Cooler
Website: stanleytools.com |Brands like Stanley
Popularity 2.4/10
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9
California Innovations
California Innovations makes insulated lunch boxes, totes and lunch bags, and the company began in Toronto in 1985. Its history starts with a detachable cooler that paired with a car sun shield. Its insulated bags are designed to keep food...
Website: californiainnovations.com |Brands like California Innovations
Popularity 2.4/10
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10
Pelican
Impact-resistant hard cases from Pelican protect camera gear, electronics and game controllers. Flashlights, coolers and travel gear are made by the brand too. Its cases are used by professionals in emergency services, hospitals and the military, as well as by...
Website: pelican.com |Brands like Pelican
Popularity 1.9/10
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11
Mountainsmith
Mountainsmith was born out of the ruggedness of Colorado and since then has grasped the world of backpacks. Since 1979, it has been the sole pioneer of distinctive backpacks that are eco-friendly and sustainable. Its legacy has consistently risen all...
Website: mountainsmith.com |Brands like Mountainsmith
Popularity 1.7/10
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12
Columbia
Columbia's PFG line brings fishing-style zipperless coolers with a coldlok closure to the soft cooler range.
Top products: PFG Zipperless Coldlok Cooler Bag
Website: columbia.com |Brands like Columbia
Popularity 1.3/10
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13
Dometic
Made by an RV refrigerator maker, these soft coolers fit road-trip gear and campsite use on weekend trips.
Website: dometic.com |Brands like Dometic
Popularity 1.3/10
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14
Rothco
Camo pants, military jackets and camo shirts anchor the line from Rothco, a supplier of military, tactical and outdoor gear. Headwear, bags and footwear for field and outdoor use are offered as well. Its gear serves military, tactical and outdoor...
Website: rothco.com |Brands like Rothco
Popularity 1.3/10
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15
Kelty
At Kelty, they develop and produce elevated outdoor gear that withstands the elements. They recognize that no two adventures are identical, so their gear is designed to handle anything from an afternoon trip with friends to a month-long excursion into...
Website: kelty.com |Brands like Kelty
Popularity 1.2/10
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16
Grizzly Coolers
Coolers are one of the most used technologies available worldwide. When it comes to coolers, nothing can compare to the quality provided by the brand Grizzly Coolers. It is one of the most popular brands in this industry, mainly known...
Website: grizzlycoolers.com |Brands like Grizzly Coolers
Popularity 1.0/10
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17
CamelBak
CamelBak is the world's largest manufacturer of hydration solutions. They produce bottles for cyclists with daring, conviction, and imagination. The best-selling BPA-free plastic bottles are composed of revolutionary plastic that uses 50 per cent recycled material instead of fossil-based resources....
Website: camelbak.com |Brands like CamelBak
Popularity 1.0/10
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18
DAKINE
A history of innovation is a great history. Dakine opened its doors to the public in 1979. The foundation was in Hawaii. The brand is interested in designing and manufacturing backpacks, travel bags, and other accessories. They also make a...
Website: dakine.com |Brands like DAKINE
Popularity 0.8/10
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19
Yukon Outfitters
Exploring the outdoors is for enthusiasts and adventurers alike. The thrill of exploring the wilderness to yourself and going down a path that is not accustomed to the invitation of a being is thrilling. With the help of Yukon Outfitters,...
Website: yukon-outfitters.com |Brands like Yukon Outfitters
Popularity 0.7/10
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20
Calcutta
Calcutta Outdoors is your ultimate travel buddy. The company is one of the leading manufacturers of outdoor sports or recreation products, from fishing and boating accessories to men's and women's outdoor apparel, sunglasses, travel bags, and backpacks. The products are...
Website: calcuttaoutdoors.com |Brands like Calcutta
Popularity 0.6/10
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21
Koolatron
Koolatron is the major producer of 12-volt coolers and warmers globally, with radical solutions for various applications. Kooltron sells multiple products, including food storage, warming coolers and heaters, and accessories like cup holders and lids. Their products enhance your outdoor...
Website: koolatron.com |Brands like Koolatron
Popularity 0.6/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yeti | yeti.com | /Yeti | yeti | @Yeticoolers | YetiVideos |
| Coleman | coleman.com | /ColemanCanada | – | @colemancanada | Colemancampfire |
| Arctic Zone | arcticzone.com | /arcticzoneproducts | arcticzone | – | Arctic Zone |
| Rtic | rticoutdoors.com | /rticoutdoors | rticoutdoors | @rticcoolers | RTIC Outdoors |
| Picnic Time | picnictime.com | /PicnicTime | picnictime | @picnictime | PicnicTime82 |
| Thermos | thermos.com | /Thermos | thermosbrand | @Thermos | – |
| Hydro Flask | hydroflask.com | /hydroflask | hydroflask | @HydroFlask | hydroflask |
| Stanley | stanleytools.com | /STANLEYTools | stanleytools | @stanleytools | stanleytools |
| California Innovations | californiainnovations.com | – | californiainnovations | – | – |
| Pelican | pelican.com | /Pelican | pelican | @Pelican_Life | pelicanproducts |
Soft Cooler Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Whether you're heading to the beach or going on a weekend camping trip, a soft cooler can keep your drinks and snacks cold for hours. However, with so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to know which one to choose. In this soft cooler buying guide, we'll go over everything you need to know to find the perfect one for your needs.
Size and Capacity
When it comes to soft coolers, the size and capacity will vary significantly. Some coolers are designed to hold just a few cans, while others can accommodate over 30. Before making a purchase, consider how much you need to store in the cooler, the amount of space you have in your vehicle or on your person, and how long you need the contents to stay cold.
For example, if you're going on a day trip with a small group of friends, a 12-can cooler might suffice. However, if you're planning a multi-day camping trip with your family, you might want a larger option that can hold 30 cans or more. Keep in mind that larger coolers will be heavier and harder to transport.
Insulation
The insulation of a soft cooler will determine how long it can keep your drinks or food cold. The most common materials used for insulation are foam or a combination of foam and other materials like polyester or nylon. Generally, thicker insulation will mean better performance, but it will also add weight to the cooler.
Another factor to consider is the type of insulation. Some soft coolers feature closed-cell foam insulation, which won't absorb water and is more durable. Other coolers may use open-cell foam insulation, which can absorb water over time and will eventually lose its insulating properties. Keep in mind that open-cell foam insulation is generally lighter and more affordable, but may not last as long as closed-cell foam insulation.
Portability
If you're planning to carry your soft cooler with you on a hike or to the beach, portability should be a significant consideration. Look for a cooler with comfortable, adjustable straps or handles that will make it easy to carry. Some coolers may even feature multiple carrying options, such as straps and a handle, so you can choose which one is most comfortable for you.
Additionally, consider the overall weight of the cooler. Some soft coolers can weigh upwards of 10 pounds when empty, which may be too heavy for some people to carry for an extended period. If portability is a top priority, look for a cooler that is lightweight but still offers enough insulation to keep your contents cold.
Material and Durability
Soft coolers are typically made from nylon, polyester, or a combination of both. Nylon is a durable material that is more resistant to water and abrasions than polyester. However, polyester is typically more affordable and can be just as durable if it is made from high-quality materials.
When it comes to durability, look for a cooler that has sturdy zippers and well-made seams. A cooler with low-quality zippers or poorly sealed seams is more likely to leak and will not last as long as a well-constructed model.
Additional Features
Some soft coolers may come with additional features that can make your life easier. Here are a few to keep an eye out for:
- Hard Liner: Some soft coolers feature a hard liner, which helps keep contents from getting squished and makes cleaning easier.
- Exterior Pockets: Look for a cooler with exterior pockets that can be used to store small items like utensils or napkins.
- Ice Packs: Some soft coolers come with ice packs that can be frozen and then placed inside the cooler to help keep contents cold for even longer.
- Bottle Openers: Some coolers feature built-in bottle openers, making it easy to crack open a cold one while you're out and about.
Price
The price of a soft cooler can vary significantly based on its size, quality, and additional features. Generally, smaller coolers are more affordable than larger ones, and coolers with less insulation or lower-quality materials will be less expensive.
Expect to spend anywhere from $20 to $200 on a soft cooler, depending on your needs and budget. Keep in mind that a higher price point may indicate a higher quality product or additional features that could be useful.
Conclusion
A soft cooler can be a great investment for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors or on trips. When shopping for a cooler, consider the size and capacity, insulation, portability, material and durability, additional features, and price. By taking the time to find the perfect cooler for your needs, you'll be able to enjoy cold drinks and snacks no matter where your adventures take you.
